The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I pulled up to The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas on Dinah Shore Drive – the entrance is sort of tucked away and you might miss it if you’re not paying attention. But once you’re inside the gates, it’s like stepping into this sprawling desert oasis that actually lives up to the hype. The property is massive, I mean really massive, with these low-rise villa buildings scattered across perfectly manicured grounds that feel more like a private estate than a typical hotel. You know what struck me first? How quiet it is. Even though you’re basically in the heart of Rancho Mirage (just a few minutes from The Gardens on El Paseo if you want to do some serious shopping), the place has this serene, almost secluded vibe.

The villas themselves are the real draw here – these aren’t your standard hotel rooms, they’re actual suites with full kitchens, separate living areas, and private patios or balconies. I stayed in one of the two-bedroom units and honestly, it felt like borrowing a friend’s really nice vacation home. The décor is that upscale desert contemporary style without being too precious about it, and the beds are legitimately comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses). What I loved most was having that full kitchen – grocery runs to the Whole Foods on Highway 111 meant I could make coffee exactly how I like it and store leftovers from all the amazing restaurants nearby. The golf courses here are gorgeous, even if you’re not playing – just walking around in the early morning with the San Jacinto Mountains as your backdrop is pretty spectacular.

The pools are where this place really shines, especially during those blazing desert afternoons. There are multiple pool areas, so you’re not fighting for lounge chairs, and the main lagoon-style pool has this lazy river thing that’s actually fun (not just for kids, trust me). The staff really knows their stuff too – check-in was smooth, housekeeping was unobtrusive, and the concierge gave me some solid local recommendations that weren’t just the obvious tourist spots. I will say the property can feel a bit spread out if you’re not used to resort life – it’s definitely a golf cart or long walk situation to get from some villas to the main amenities. And while the 8.5 rating is well-deserved, you’re paying for that Westin brand and prime location, so don’t expect any bargains. But if you want that luxurious desert resort experience without the pretentiousness of some of the ultra-high-end places in Indian Wells, this hits the sweet spot perfectly.